DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF LAW (CIVIL LAW SECTION)

DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF LAW (CIVIL LAW SECTION)

Opportunities and challenges

The Civil Law Section (the section) of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa is at a pivotal point in its history. Building on a tradition of excellence in teaching, research and community involvement, the section is in an exceptional position to consolidate its influence and strengthen its role in the Canadian and international Francophone legal community.

Key opportunities

Unique strategic positioning: Located in the heart of Canadas capital, at the crossroads of Quebec, Canadian and Indigenous legal traditions, the section offers a prime environment for strengthening linkages between civil law and the countrys federal, political and legal institutions. Expanding research: The section is supported by a growing faculty, vibrant and recognized research structures and a 20252030 strategic vision focused on interdisciplinarity, knowledge mobilization and research with high social impact. Cultivating student and community vitality: Strengthening linkages between staff, professors and students continues to be at the heart of our mission, along with the pursuit of an inclusive, caring and supportive Faculty culture. Consolidating the French legal community: By building on its partnerships, its presence in parliamentary and legal circles and its research initiatives, the section has the opportunity to further assert its role as an intellectual hub for the Francophone legal community in North America. These opportunities are accompanied by stimulating challenges:

Ensuring the stability and responsible management of resources in a changing budgetary and institutional environment. Maintaining the quality and visibility of research and teaching, while continuing to develop the next generation of professors. Aligning research and higher education even more to attract and retain the best talent. Continuing to modernize governance and collaborative practices to support a community in the midst of transformation. Ensuring alignment with the University of Ottawas strategic plan, Transformation 2030.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the provost and vice-president, academic affairs, the dean of the Civil Law Section provides academic, strategic and administrative leadership for the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa.

The incumbent is responsible for promoting excellence in teaching, research and community involvement, in a collegial, inclusive and bilingual environment. Key responsibilities include the following:

Academic and strategic management

• Defines and implements a unifying vision for the section, in line with the strategic orientations of the University and the Faculty of Law.
• Fosters commitment and cohesion among the various components of the Faculty communityprofessors, staff and studentsand nourishes a spirit of collaboration with the Common Law Section.
• Consolidates linkages with legal, political and institutional circles in Canadas capital to strengthen the sections presence and its influence over major social and legal issues.

Teaching and training

• Ensures the quality, relevance and vitality of the sections undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Promotes innovative, bilingual teaching approaches that prepare students to practise their profession in multi-jurisdictional, multilingual settings.
• Supports student recruitment, retention and success, particularly in graduate programs.

Research and outreach

• Supports the implementation of the Strategic Research Plan 20252030, in particular, research structure consolidation, partnership development and knowledge mobilization.
• Fosters an environment conducive to interdisciplinary, inclusive and socially committed research, in line with the sections values.
• Encourages the inclusion of students in research projects and acknowledgement of their scholarly contributions.

Management and governance

• Manages the sections human, financial and material resources rigorously, transparently and equitably.
• Ensures the sections administrative stability and continuity, particularly in a context of transition and growth in faculty numbers.
• Maintains a constructive dialogue with University, union and community bodies, promoting consultation and collegiality in decision making.

Leadership and community involvement

• Promotes diversity, equity, well-being and inclusion in the Faculty community.
• Represents the section in academic, governmental, professional and international fora. Maintains and strengthens relationships with graduates, community partners and donors by fostering their commitment to the sections mission, priorities and development.
• Contributes actively to promoting the Francophone legal community and the profile of civil law in academic, legal and public circles.

Profile

The person appointed to head the Civil Law Section will be a recognized academic leader, with a clear strategic vision, strong listening skills and the ability to mobilize the community around joint projects.

The incumbent will combine intellectual excellence, people-oriented leadership and administrative rigour, in a spirit of collegiality and service to the University mission. The main skills and qualities sought are as follows:

• Doctorate (PhD) or equivalent law degree recognized by the University of Ottawa, and a solid background in civil law
• Outstanding track record in teaching, research and academic outreach
• Recognition in the academic and legal community for the quality, relevance and impact of own research work
• Clear vision of the development of civil law and the Francophone legal community in Canada and internationally
• Proven ability to inspire change in a complex academic environment, balancing innovation and continuity
• Successful management experience in a comparable academic or organizational environment, particularly in a multidisciplinary or multijurisdictional setting
• Demonstrated talent for team mobilization, consensus building and participative governance
• Extensive experience in strategic planning, budget management and human resources management
• Commitment to transparent, equitable and consultative governance
• Ability to represent the Civil Law Section assertively and diplomatically with academic, government and professional bodies
• Keen intelligence, sustained energy and strong sense of ethics
• Ability to listen, engage in dialogue and recognize each persons contributions
• Sensitivity to cultural, institutional and linguistic differences specific to Francophone, Quebec and English-Canadian environments
• Inclusive leadership with attention to the well-being and development of members of the Faculty community
• Understanding of contemporary legal research issues, particularly in terms of interdisciplinarity, diversity of knowledge and knowledge mobilization
• Interest in the integration of research and graduate studies, and ability to support the development of the Strategic Research Plan 20252030
• Ability and commitment to raise the profile of the Civil Law Section among its graduates and the philanthropic community, through, for example, projects and initiatives that benefit all stakeholders
• Desire to promote the values of boldness, openness and collegiality, which characterize the section Fluency in English and French (spoken and written)

University of Ottawa

Located on the unceded ancestral territory of the Algonquin Nation, the University of Ottawa is a major research university offering a full range of academic programs. Founded in 1848, it is now the worlds largest English-French bilingual university, with nine faculties and 49,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral programs. It ranks among Canadas top 10 research universities, and 187th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.

Find out more about the University of Ottawa

Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section

Founded over 70 years ago, the University of Ottawas Civil Law Section is still the only school outside Quebec that offers comprehensive training in civil law, in the Quebec legal tradition and in French. It prepares its graduates for admission to both the Quebec Bar and the Chambre des notaires du Qubec, thereby contributing to the vitality and sustainability of the Francophone legal community in North America. In conjunction with the Common Law Section, the Civil Law Section offers graduate programs (masters and PhD) in law.

In addition to its professional training mission, the Civil Law Section is known for the quality and innovation of its research. Its internationally recognized faculty includes several research chairs in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence law, sustainable trade, health law and access to justice. Various legal clinics and centres provide a direct link between academia, students and civil society.

Open to the world, the section is involved in numerous national and international academic and research partnerships, and promotes student mobility through exchanges and dual degrees. It boasts a modern learning environment, state-of-the-art technology facilities and a rich student life characterized by engagement.

Graduate studies at the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section, are offered jointly with the Faculty of Law, Common Law Section, providing fertile opportunities for comparative legal research in Canadas two official languages.

Application process

If you think you match the profile were looking for, fill in the Application Form and attach your CV and covering letter. All information received will be treated in the strictest confidence. We would like to thank all applicants in advance. The review of recommended candidates, applications and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. In keeping with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requirements, all qualified persons are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its over 175-year tradition of bilingualism. At the time of their appointment, senior executives must be able to function in a bilingual environment (English-French).

Kenniff Leadership

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